Surface architecture of X-irradiated hair follicles.

The combined use of scanning electron-microscopy and chemical separation of epidermis permitted the study of the irradiated and normal hair follicle surface characteristics. Irradiation reduced the length and density of the hair follicles, producing at the same time marked alterations and deformities of the individual follicles. As most of these changes were dose- and time-dependent, these structures, studied by these techniques, provide an interesting model as biological indicators of radiation dose.